ANIMAL lovers across the West Somerset and Wellington areas looking for a new goal to set themselves for 2026 can sign up now to a range of different fund-raising challenges with the RSPCA.

From adventure hikes and cycles to fun runs, bake sales, online streaming challenges, marathons, and more, the charity is encouraging anybody and everybody to set themselves an exciting goal for the New Year - helping animals along the way.

RSPCA events manager Abi Mustard said: “If you are looking for an exciting challenge to set yourself for the New Year to tackle during 2026, look no further.

“We have so many opportunities across the South West for animal lovers to find a challenge to suit them, from running or trekking to something more adrenaline-pumped like a bungee jump.

“It is the perfect time to set yourself a challenge for 2026 and do something amazing for animals at the same time.

A London to Paris cycle challenge is among fund-raising events the RSPCA is organising in 2026.
A London to Paris cycle challenge is among fund-raising events the RSPCA is organising in 2026. (RSPCA)

“Our amazing fund-raisers do vital work supporting us in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming or releasing thousands of animals every year.

“By raising money for the RSPCA, you will join animal lovers from across the region, and the whole country, determined to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

RSPCA fund-raising challenges across the Westcountry during 2026 include:

  • Bath 50 challenge – March 28
  • South West Coast 50 challenge - July 25
  • Great West Run - May 24
  • Great South Run - October 18
  • Isle of Wight Challenge - May 2 to 3
  • Jurassic coast challenge - May 16 and 17

Ms Mustard said: “Together, our voices will be stronger than ever.

“This is your chance to feel great, get fit, have fun, and be creative with the RSPCA’s Team Animal, so why not request a fund-raising pack now to help you rise to the challenge.

'Snowdon at Night' is among the fund-raising challenges being organised by the RSPCA in 2026.
'Snowdon at Night' is one of the 2026 fund-raising challenges being organised by the RSPCA. (RSPCA)

“You will receive loads of support from the day you sign up, including an RSPCA fund-raising pack full of ideas and materials, with myself and our committed events team on hand to help with your fund-raising, your own RSPCA branded running vest or technical T-shirt for your relevant event, cheering goodies for your friends and family, and a dedicated events Facebook group to talk to other RSPCA supporters before the event day.”

For those looking for an even bigger challenge, the RSPCA is also offering national and international challenges, including:

  • National Three Peaks Challenge - June to July
  • Land’s End to John O’Groats - June 2 to 15
  • London to Paris cycle - June, July, and September
  • Snowdon at Night - May, June, and August
  • Walk to Remember - September 13
  • 50 Miles in March - March, launching January 20

By signing up for a fund-raising effort, people can help the RSPCA carry out its vital animal welfare work, and help inspire everybody to create a better world ‘For Every Kind’ of animal.

Meanwhile, during the festive period, the RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal - ‘The Big Give Back to Animals’.

It hopes to raise vital funds to keep frontline teams rescuing animals through the winter months.

Reports of animal abandonment are expected to reach their highest point in at least six years, and issues such as the ongoing cost of living crisis mean animals need the RSPCA more than ever.

More about supporting the RSPCA’s work can be found on the charity’s website.